DNR offers boating safety class in Perry

Published 5:36 pm Monday, February 4, 2008

Submitted by the Department of Natural Resources



SOCIAL CIRCLE — The Georgia Wildlife Federation’s former annual Turkeyrama/Fisharama, recently combined into one super show, the Great Outdoors Show, will feature everything hunting, fishing and boating related for every outdoors enthusiast across the state.

In fact, event attendees have the opportunity for both fun and education, all in one weekend. On Saturday of the event, which runs Fri., Feb. 8 – Sun., Feb. 10, rangers with the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ (DNR) Wildlife Resources Division (WRD) are offering a boating safety class from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Event attendees can pre-register for the class by calling WRD’s Macon law enforcement office at (478) 751-6415.

“Safety is our first and foremost concern, and the course we offer covers all aspects of responsible boating. The more training and experience Georgia’s boat operators have, the better off they’ll be on the water,” stresses course instructor and WRD Sgt. Tony Fox.

The boating safety information covered is geared towards the inexperienced operator, though any level operator can benefit from taking the course.

The course is free and designed for individuals 12 years of age and up. The capacity is limited, so interested persons are encouraged to pre-register as soon as possible.

“I concentrate on important information concerning situations that the boaters will likely come in contact with, like boat equipment basics, safety issues and commonly overlooked boating laws,” explains Fox.

The Coast Guard Auxiliary and WRD rangers are teaming up to teach the course on Saturday. This is a great opportunity for inexperienced boat operators to learn about safety concerns, with plenty of time to review the information provided prior to the boating season kick-off in May.

For more information on the boating safety course, contact the Macon WRD law enforcement office at (478) 751-6415. To download a printable version of Georgia’s boating safety handbook, covering all Georgia laws, rules and regulations, visit www.goboatgeorgia.com.